The Woodland Way

Kuksa Cup in Beech Wood - "The Snifter".

2012-01-22T11:42:00.001Z

Out and about on my travels I came across at the side of a track a piece of beech wood roughly about the same size as my forearm. It looked like it had been there for years and was pretty weathered. I picked it up and had a look at and thought I might be able to use this, it had a hole running through it and bits of wood from the inside kept falling out. I thought that this might be a lost cause, perhaps it was all rotten inside.

A horrible piece of tatty old Beech

I had this feeling that there was a Kuksa in there somewhere as long as the rot had not got a hold on the wood. Time to find out what was inside I started to cut into the beech.

Same piece from a different angle.

Several cuts into the Beech

Eventually I got to a point where I dare not take any more wood away if I was to stand a chance of getting a small Kuksa from the remaining wood. I decided that I would use the cavity area to start the work. I saw a couple of issues with the wood. Firstly there was a large gap at the bottom of the area of the proposed handle and rear of the bowl. Secondly, on the under side I could only carve to the depth of the thinnest part of the wood. The wood was so gnarl and thick but in places quite thin. However, I marked what I thought would be the shape of the Kuksa bowl and marked a proposed handle in.

Bowl & handle marked out. Problem at the bottom right of picture.

So on with the carving. I decided to start work on the area that I thought might be a serious problem the bottom right hand side. I did not want to do loads of hard carving for the project to fail once I got to the hole at the bottom of the wood. Santa Claus brought me some new shiny gouges now was the time to try them out. I have to say working with large gouges was a real experience but it allowed me to take great chunks of wood away, what might have taken a 2 -3 hours now only took 20 - 30 mins.

Gouging out the bowl.

The size of the Kuksa is going to be smaller than I thought due to the excessive amount of rotten wood I had to remove. As I was working on the bowl I thought it would be just the right size for a Whisky, I like a drop of single malt. So, as with most things I carve I give them name's this will be called "The Snifter".

Once I had taken out as much wood as I thought I could the next phase was to do the remainder with a spoon knife. I have two spoon knifes a Mora Frost and Svante Darjv so I battled on with the knifes resharpening as I went. I have to say this wood was hard to get through then again Beech is. Finally, I had finished the inside, time to work on the outer side. I then belt sanded the bulk of the wood away to leave me with a working profile. Eventually, I was down to sanding the inner and outer with Abranet sanding sheets. I found that the dark areas were starting to dry out and the area around handle and bowl I thought that I had sorted out was starting to split. I was almost finished and then I had to start doing a repair. I mixed up some araldite and filled the hole / split taped it up to hold it together.


Araldite with supporting tape.

The tape did the trick and held together the split whilst the araldite set. Its now just a case of going back to the man cave (shed) and continuing with the smoothing down. After an overnight wait I finally finished the repair work and its a really good take almost invisible amongst all the beech knots.

Finished sanding 150mm x 80mm approx size

Its now time to complete the work with a final coating of Walnut Oil.


The beautiful shapes and colours start to appear

You can just see the small repair I had to make to the bowl middle and left of the picture

So, The Snifter is finally finished. I have to say that I really enjoyed this project, perhaps because the starting wood was in such a very poor state yet the Kuksa has come out really well. Hope you have enjoyed the write up.

On a slightly different subject the Yew wood that was soaking in the Pentacryl being stabilised is drying well one more week or so and we should be starting Part 2 of the Yew handle project.

Car Fragrant Wood Spiritman.

2012-01-21T16:48:00.001Z

I used to carve little wood spirits into walking sticks just add to the stick. However, I have progressed and was asked to make Wooden Pipe Tampers with the little wood spirit face, this I did as you can read about in my other posts. I have not carved a simple wood spirit for some time, but I thought I would like to make a wood spirit carving for the car. I tend to use Blackthorn wood for the carvings, do not ask me why but they seem to come out well generally. However, it was clear to myself that I was struggling to get this little piece completed. Whilst in the process of carving I thought it might be nice to try and make the carving into a wooden fragrance for the car. I have seen the wooden little fragrant apples that you can buy in supermarkets, so why not have a go.


Blackthorn wood

So, carving duly completed although not completely happy with the result, but never mind.

I wandered into the house I knew that we had the fragrance sticks that you soak and then turn upside down and they emit a pleasant smell. So I raided the cupboard and did a home trial of soaking a wooden carving in the smelly fluid. If it works on bamboo sticks, why not my carving. Experiment still ongoing, I drilled a small hole in the top of the carving to except a small piece of elasticated cord, so that it can hang in the car.

Soaking in fragrance

Here, is the carving soaking in the liquid an old Chinese food container (they are always handy) houses the little experiment. I will leave it over night and see how it goes in the morning and place it in the car.

Thanks for reading.

Early morning walk by the sea.

2012-01-07T13:40:00.000Z

I arose early this morning. The working week had given us some appalling weather but this Saturday it looked nice. I popped the dog in the car and drove 10 mins to the sea front. Very little wind quite warm for this time of year lovely. There will be few words in this post but the rising of the sun was fantastic and I wanted just to share the morning with you through some photographs.

Despite a seemingly quiet morning cloud from the North West started to come over. What this allowed was the rising sun to start to reflect of the clouds.


Private Pants waiting for the Sun to rise.


Sun up lovely


Starting to cloud up on the way back

On the way home it went deepest black I thought we were going to get soaked, however, all of a sudden we had a wonderful Rainbow, and no rain.


Rainbow, what a wonderful sight.

All in all a truly refreshing morning giving me a lift after some recent news. Life is good..

Yew Wood Knife Handle Project - Part 1.

2012-01-07T13:06:00.000Z

I decided that the New year was the time to start a new project. Prior to Christmas I did some research online about making your own knife handles. I have to say there is a wealth of information about this topic on the net and some fantastic work. I chose the blade that I liked and found an online retailer that could supply the blade that I wanted at a reasonable price English-handmade-knives delivery was quick and the blades arrived as described. As it happens a local business to me. I will definitely use this company again.

Polar 95 Full stick tang carbon blade

Ok, so that was the easy bit completed. Next came the choice of wood for the handle. I decided that I wanted a full wood handle. I had some wood in the shed but was unsure what I had, in the end I came up with three choices for a handle Cherry, Blackthorn & Yew. I had Cherry and Blackthorn already, but I liked the look of Yew and I knew where I could get hold of some timber. When I was doing my research it was mentioned several times that you should use stabilised wood for the knife handles. Unsure what that actually meant I researched again. Bottom line the product you use reduces / replaces the moisture content within the wood to reduce warping / checking of the wood. You can by woods that have been stabilised professionally but checking some of the prices it can be costly. So, after some more reading I decided to have ago at home. The product that I decided to use for the stabilisation of the wood was Pentacryl which I purchased from Turners Retreat the link will take you there. I went out and found my Yew wood that I planned to try and stabilise, this wood was standing dead wood, however, it looked good.

Pentacryl & Yew Wood

The wood when sawn looked really dry and I was tempted to go straight into the project, however, I thought that it would not hurt to stabilise the wood. So I chop sawed two sections of Yew and cut them to size approx 130 x 40 x 30mms gave them a quick run over with the plainer. A wonderful pattern emerges from the grain.

There are two method's of stabilising the wood according to the directions on the side of the label on the bottle of Pentacryl. One is to brush a coat on or to the wood or immersion. Being an old sceptic I went for the fully immersed method. So I found myself a jar that would accept the wood and take all of the Pentacryl as it happens a 1 litre Kilner jar fits the bill perfectly.


Two pieces of Yew inside a Kilner jar

I love old jars,containers, boxes and unwanted pate dishes they always come in handy for something in the workshop. Anyway, so the next step is to fill the jar and wood with the Pentacryl.

I topped the jar right up after this photo.

I filled the jar as far as I could and just had a bit of Pentacryl left this will come in handy for topping up on the next project. If this works then I will cut two more pieces of different wood and start to build up a small collection of stabilised woods for handles. I plan to leave the wood immersed for 4 days on the directions it states about 24 hours per inch? not sure so go with that and see. As for the drying time again its a bit and hit and miss but it depends on optimum conditions. Might give the wood a month when it comes out not quite made my mind up yet.


Fully immersed Yew

So the project roles on. Once the wood is stabilised I will start work on the handle for the blade. I plan to update the blog on the project as it progresses. I also hope to make my own leather sheath to go with the knife. This maybe a separate project not quite sure but watch this space.

Thanks for reading Part 2 to follow.

Recycled Teaspoon

2011-12-11T11:26:00.001Z

I did mention that I would make a quick post if I carved some spoons for the Cranberry sauce and Onion Marmalade that I made yesterday. I decided that perhaps that I could recycle some old practice spoons that had been made. I found a couple of likely candidates. The bowls of the spoons where really thick not nice to the feel. Out came the Mora Frost spoon knife a quick nibble away at the bowl and I was just about there resulting now in a nice thin feel in the carved bowl. Then the cleaning up with the Abranet sanding sheets that I rate so highly mentioned in previous posts. This little teaspoon is carved from Sycamore wood. The grain is unusual it looks like the wood has not been finished and very light in colour. So just a few shots of the spoon in the dish that will be used at the table. I finished the spoon with a Walnut oil. Just got to complete some more work on the other spoon but that can wait for another day.

On a different subject. We plan to have our camping holiday in Wales next year and we will be purchasing a new tent similar to this:

When we purchase I will do a garden review before use, watch this space.

Not strictly Woodland..........

2011-12-10T13:45:00.001Z

So, although not strictly Woodland, Bushcraft or Carving I thought I would just drop a quick post to inform people of the benefits of making some of their own accompaniments to Christmas meals. Last Christmas I decided too make my own Cranberry sauce it was such a success that I have made another batch. The deciding and overriding thought was that mass produced sauces have no flavour and for the price per unit it was not value for money. The Cranberry sauce freezes very well so that it can be made well in advance, freezing takes nothing away from the taste. I used the following recipe from bbcgoodfood Cranberry sauce the only addition that I decided to add was a little tipple of Gin, that of course is a measured amount!!!!!


Home made Cranberry sauce

I use the plastic dishes that Chinese / Indian takeaways come in they are just great for storage, well you have payed for them. There are never transferable tastes either. The picture above has another plastic storage dish underneath the oblong top one. The Cranberries came in at 250g for £1.50, I purchased two punnets, I also bought fresh oranges for their juice. The sauce will complete Christmas / Boxing day with the two small punnets for the kids too take away with them. I think that the time is worth the effort.

We tend to eat quite a bit of Pate / cold meats over the festive season so this year I also chose to make a nice accompaniment, Red Onion Marmalade again the recipe can be found here bbcgoodfood red-onion-marmalade I bit more complex for me....and more ingredients, however, I can read and follow simple directions. I have to say that it took about 3 hours this morning to complete the marmalade. It has just finished cooling. I placed the marmalade into some small vacum sealed jars that I bought some time go for another project they served really well. I washed and oven sterilised the jars and lids before placing in the marmalade.

Nice little fancy jars bought on line.

I have to say that the taste of the marmalade is wonderful (modest) well worth making again but not just for the holidays.

Left overs for tasting later

I have some nice simple pot / saucers for serving both accompaniment's in. I think I might carve two nice simple teaspoons tomorrow to go with the dishes. I have some Cherry wood knocking about in the shed somewhere!! I will post if I make some. Thanks for reading.

Sunny Winter Day

2011-12-10T08:55:00.001Z

Winter sunshine

I managed to finally get out into the woods on Friday. The day before had been a miserable day windy (but no where as bad as Scotland) and driving torrential rain. The sun came out eventually and actually when in the sunshine it was very pleasant. I took a few pictures of the scenery on my travels. I used to take a camera with me but I found that actually it was just another large item to carry. I invested in a decent phone that had a camera I chose the Nokia E72. All of my pictures apart from the very first posts have been taken with the phone. Clearly there are some down sides with just a phone camera but for me it's a trade off which I find acceptable.

Always on the look out for future potential pieces of wood for carving I spied a lovely large Birch Burl. However, its too high and large to attempt to make a sensible cut.

Theirs a free Kuksa in there somewhere.

The seasons all have there own beauty but some how despite the cold I find Winter a good time to be in the woods. I like the fact that you can see right into the usually dense woods / undergrowth. The leaves have all fallen a crisp sound under foot but the silence that the trees bring without the rushing sound of there branch's and leaves. Yet of course there is still colour at this time of year. I suppose the tree that almost says winter / Christmas to me is the Holly the female trees produce the berry no bearing Holly's are male.

Female Holly tree.

My little walk took over the open heath land that the wild Exmoors & Dartmoor pony's live. They were busy grazing trying to fatten up for the long winter ahead. They do look in great condition.

Who are you looking at ?

Good looking animals.

Because we had a real heavy downpour earlier in the week I always like to check the water features to ensure that there are no problems with drainage. The reflection's on the water at this time of the year with the sun low in the sky are great for pictures.

I spotted normal animal suspects out and about the grey squirrel down from the trees feeding. The fallow deer are busy grazing in small herds and a quick spot of a green woodpecker. I was only out for a short stroll so not much to talk about. Thanks for reading have a nice holiday to all.

Gelert One man tent.

2011-12-07T08:57:00.001Z

Just a quick line to tell people that I have just put small fnal update on the Gelert tent garden review.

Birch Burl Kuksa Pt 2

2011-12-04T13:12:00.001Z

So just to finish off the Kuksa Pt 2 of the project. I checked the carving and found that it felt really light a good sign most of the moisture had gone. So I decided to start the finishing work to the Kuksa.

After about 10 days drying

So to the shed and start sanding I used to use just normal sandpaper going through the grades from 40 -1200 grits. However, a friend introduced my to the Abranet sanding sheets they are vented so the dust extracts a lot better preventing clogging they also sand a lot quicker. I will never go back to the normal sheets again, down side they are a bit more expensive, but then again they last so much longer.


Sanding under way

80 Grit to get us going

I purchased a range of the Abranet sanding sheets from classichandtools.com 10 of each ranging from 80 grit to 600. I have to say that Classic tools turnround time is super quick almost next day. I spent the next 3 hours sanding away. I always put apiece of tape of the end of my finger tips they get so sore otherwise. Eventually, I was happy with the finish I had to use the spoon knife a couple of times just to get some extra lumps out.


Completed Kuksa

I was unsure of what finish to put on the carving. I use walnut oil on my spoons it do's not go rancid like Olive oil the downside if you have an allergy to nuts it would be an issue no one in my family has so no problems. I coated the inside and outside with Walnut Oil. I have read that you put strong alcohol in the bowl followed by black coffee which should be left overnight to seal the inner bowl. I again was unsure but plan to adopt the following alcohol and coffee regime when the oil has been absorbed. I think after all that work on the bowl that it need a bit of oil to prevent any cracks. Lets hope its stable.

I have to say that I am exceptionally happy with the outcome of my first Burl Kuksa the grain s just out of this world. The walls of the carving are fine enough to be comfortable for me to drink from. I plan to keep the Kuksa for myself and use it.

Well I hope you have enjoyed my little romp through the Kuksa carving. I am unsure of my next project although I may well go back to micro carving the wood spirit faces as my enthusiasm has been kindled after looking at the work of Dave at Woodwose. Santa is also bringing me some new tools.

Happy Christmas to all.

Paul

Out and about again.....

2011-11-30T19:25:00.001Z

Despite the rain today I managed to get out and was lucky enough to get some little breaks in the rain to get some sunshine. I will post some pictures I took. I have forgotten some photos that I ment to publish some time ago. I hope you enjoy.

Mr Woody Pecker at work

He can be a busy bird

This is why we should leave some old rotten trees

Even in winter the woods can be pretty

Lunch time tea

The following pictures I took in the summer that I found fascinating see what you think!!

Good enough to live in!!

No mortgage issues here

Explaination of what you have been looking at.

This Mesolithic house has been reproduced at the Ashdown Forest vistors centre. Well worth a look if your in the area. I just loved the house and would not mind living in it. Oh, for the simple life.

Hobo and Stick day.

2011-11-28T19:34:00.000Z

I visited the woods today and as I generally do took my daysack that is kept permanently packed just top the water bottle up. Whats in there just about all you would need for a 48 hour stop out minus the tarp and bag.

This daysack was kindly given to me by my friend Gary Wale from nordmarkencanoeuk.co.uk it serves me very well. When its time for tea then I drag out my home made Hobo Stove.

Hobo stove

On the left of the picture my boiling vessel made from a stainless steel tea caddy attached is a portion of bike brake cable held in position by fishing swivels pop riveted in place. The wires are joined using electrical connectors with the plastic removed two steam holes drilled in the lid and to top it all off a small hand made beech handle.
To the right of the boiling vessel (BV) is the grate made from a stainless steel kitchen utensils holder a square section ground out to allow for kindling etc. Two skewers that fit through the holes in the grate allow you to vary the height of the BV. Te round tin to is an old steel hard boiled sweet tin that serves two purposes one to hold the hexamine if required as an alternate fuel and the lid acts as the grate for the hexamine. The BV and grate were purchased from Wilkos at very little cost I had the rest of the bits and bobs in the shed along with the tools. Very cheap but good stove. Downside its a bit bigger tan I would have liked but that's ok.


Hexamine on the lid of the cherry tin.

Today, I decided to use natural fuels and started the fire with Birch bark and twigs all sourced just a couple of metres away.

I often just use the BV by itself to boil up and insert a boil in the bag you can just get two in at a push. I tend to use a home made tripod from wood with a home made wooden hanger the pot works fine. Enough for one.

Tea and lunch.

That just about it for my little Hobo.

I have been working on a couple of walking sticks for friends both with antler heads, I completed them just today see what you think!

Downey birch shaft with leather binding.

Finished off with Polyurethane

Hazel shaft with paracord binding


Finished off with Polyurethane

Hope you like them, thanks for looking in.

Birch Burl Kuksa Pt 1

2011-11-20T16:11:00.018Z

Silver Birch Burl

Last week I went to assist a friend saw a rotten old tree down in the forest. On arriving I quickly spied a Burl at the top of the Birch. I assumed that because the tree was rotten the burl must be! However, once dropped we chained saw the burl to see a beautiful if not slightly wet spalted Birch burl. The first chance to have ago at a proper burl Kuksa.


Other side after cut lovey spalted birch.

I decieded to make my second Kuksa the first one that I had made was from Birch but from a roll of a log split in two. For a first attempt I thought it was not too bad although the walls of the Kuksa were thick and the bowl small. Anyway coming back too the Burl. Perhaps the hardest part of this project has been deciding from which parts of the burl the Kuksa would be carved from.


The under side after cutting waste away.

Having chosen where the kuksa was coming from I set too taking the excess away and getting off all the old bark. The wood was surprisingly still sodden under the bark. The inside was solid wood which was a relief.

I marked out the shape that I wanted and started to get on with the boring bit of chiseling the large amount of waste from the centre of the work. Even from the beginning the colours and spalting of the burl are amazing. I just use an off cut of Hornbeam as a hammer I tend to find its perfect for this type of work.

Mora single blade spoon knife.

The next stage is to start hand carving the bowl out using a bowl knife, I like the Mora single side knife its simple and tough. You can make out the shape of the planned bowl on the picture above.

Initial roughing out stage completed.

Underside of the Kuksa handle roughed in.


Side view.

I have left the sides of the cup walls quite thick at this stage and a heavy looking handle too. The next step for me is too boil the cup in salty water. I boiled the little blighter for 2 hours using rock salt to try and eliminate any cracking during the long drying process.

It fizzed when I placed the cup in the boiling salt water

Towards the end of the process.

After 2 hours the cup sank in the water i assumed it was water logged and so impregnated with salt. The cup showed of all its beautiful colours when it was in the water.

Looking a bit swollen, yucky and steaming hot

Once the cup had cooled off I started work on the inside of the bowl again it was like putting a knife through butter. The kuksa is now sitting in a plastic bag with the top open to allow the wood to dry very slowly.

It may well be many weeks for the wood to dry out before I start anymore work so we will call this the end of Part 1 for the moment.

Hand Carved & Laser Etched Cigar Ashtrays.

2011-07-15T18:13:00.000+01:00

Sam Leccia 'Debut'

The Nub

I have been smoking hand rolled cigars for several years and one of my favourite cigars is the Nub, designed by Sam Leccia. When I found out that he was starting his own cigar business I was excited to find out the type of cigars that Sam would design and make. I thought that it would be nice to try and design a cigar ashtray to commemorate in some small way the launch of his first cigar named aptly the 'Debut'.

I wanted to try something original and hopefully unique. My mind wandered to an article that I had read on the Internet some time ago about resin filling of carved out designs on a knife handles. I thought that if I could place a design into the trays and resin fill the image it would be a total one off. My next thought was what would the art work be? and how indeed would I carve it into the tray. I quickly realised that I would not have the required precision to carve the design in a way that would accept the resin to leave a crisp and good image.

An example piece of Rich's great work.

Understanding that I could not complete the task I enlisted the help of Rich Girling from the Cig.ar.com forum. Rich Girling has completed some fantastic work using laser techniques. I approached him with my thoughts about the planned project. Rich made comment that he had never lasered designs into wood before and saw this as a challenge for him and so the project burst into life.

Test sample

The art work / designs that where going to be used for the project was the next challenge. I knew part of the art work that I wanted on and that was the word 'Debut' as this was the name of his new line of cigars. I looked at Sam's art work for his new company which included his signature and company logo. They looked fantastic. So I decided that these three designs would form the art work for the trays. The next step would be to send the art work to Rich to see if they would be suitable for lasering, he cast his expert eyes over the designs and said that it was possible but commented that we would have to do some test pieces. However, the he said that the wood needed to be flat, know bearing in mind I use knife and axe to carve and straighten my work this presented an issue for me. So for the first time I planned the top of the work surface.

Test sample

I produced two pieces of cherry wood samples and sent them to Rich for work. I required the depth of the cuts to be at least 4mm deep to hold and accept the resin. Rich said he might struggle to get that depth!! anyway three days later I received an email with pictures attached, he had made the required depth with ease. Rich was excited at how well the art work had come out on the two sample wood pieces. I could not believe how good they looked. When they arrived they where even better than the pictures. It soon became clear too the both of us that perhaps the lasered work would look better not filled with resin.

MKI

When the test pieces arrived I cleaned them up and applied a sanding sealer and placed two coats of finish to them. I was so pleased to see the results that I decided that we would not place resin filler in the work. I then sat and thought the way ahead for the Sam Leccia hand carved, laser etched cigar ashtray. As people who carve in wood appreciate wood is a living thing even when dead, to that end I chose too carve three different types of tray originally nicknamed the MK I,II & III. I carved the first one and sent it off for lasering and of course the end of the tray checked whilst working on it. Despite the check, the completed the work looked the business.

MKI after laser work

I then completed some remedial work to the check and actually although the small repair looks obvious in the flesh its not too bad on the completed tray.

Start of the MKII

The MKII portion of wood was a little different had a small spur it was thicker and had more general character about it. Underneath and to the side it had a small nick from a chainsaw which I quite liked too. Once the carving commenced it was obvious to me that this was potentially to be tray that I was going to send to Sam as a gift, barring any unforeseen accidents, off it went up North for work I asked for a little more laser work to the bottom.

When it arrived back I was sure that it was the one I finished the piece and my it looked fantastic.

On completion of carving

Art work applied

I started on the final tray the MKIII when I began to carve my heart was not really in it and so things started to go wrong. I applied myself and the work forced me to concentrate and after a long period of time what seemed to be a lost cause began to come right. The MKIII was beginning to come alive to the point where I rather like the tray. I await the arrival of the lasered MkIII which will be different to the others, watch this space.


MKIII

All 3 trays the MKIII

The reasoning for producing three trays really was two fold one to ensure I made a gift that I was happy to send to Sam, secondly should Sam actually not like the design or shape of the tray he could have the pick of two other designs. All of the hand carved, laser etched cigar ashtrays are made from cherry wood that came from a tree that suffered storm damage a few years ago from a limb that fell to the ground in a private country house estate.

I have to say that I just love the work that Rich has completed on the trays and felt almost heart broken to let any of the work go. I generally like all of my work as it takes so much effort to make a cigar tray that I want to keep hold of them!!

MKI

MKII

Completed tray with Sam's Cigar.

MKI&II

MKIII finished

MK III in a beautiful presentation box.

So the project has come to a succesful conclusion all that remains is to send the MK II tray to my friend Rich. Thanks for reading

How do you make a hand carved cigar ashtray.

2011-06-29T18:50:00.000+01:00

Spalted Cherry wood

The choice of wood is very important I like to use hard woods in most cases Cherry, Beech these have fantastic grains which should be shown off and admired, I just love spalted wood the designs and patterns that come from this type of wood are fantastic.
I have used alder which dries very hard (think broom handles) when the entire ashtray is going to be covered, it is quite hard to get a really good finish with alder but is suitable for the cigar band ashtray design. I firstly select some seasoned wood which has generally been cut into small lengths by chain saw.

Split log, the start.

Then I check the grain decide where to split the wood log and batten it into two parts if the split goes well and the wood will allow it I will use both sides of the split log. I use very few tools to actually carve a cigar ashtray Gransfors small forest axe Gransfors Frost clipper knife, Frost Mora spoon knife single sided Mora knives, Flexcut U gouge Flexcut tools and finally a palm sander to take the rough tool marks out of the wood. Once I have decided which half to work the next step is to use the axe too level of the top and bottom of the piece, once this has been achieved then I choose the best side to use as the top. I have several designs that I have used but in most cases the size and shape of the wood will dictate the outline of the ashtray I will draw a template onto the wood these will act as guidelines when roughing out the work. Once I have drawn the outline in, the hard work begins, the first area to be worked is the bowl of the tray, some times this is square or rounded. I use the Frost Mora spoon single bladed knife. The key to making this work as easy as possible is to soak the work piece overnight in water I do not always do this but it can help. You must try and maintain a very sharp edge to your tool I tend to touch up the blade edge on a very regular basis, it is quite easy to realise when the edge is dulling as you have to put more and more effort into the cutting stroke. I tend to wrap my work fingers in elasticated self adhesive bandage cohesive bandage which also has a cushion affect which ensures I do not get blisters. You should wear a protective glove on the non carving hand for protection. It is worth stating at this point that if you have never worked with tools/hand tools before there are certain rules that you should apply and really have been given some tuition before use, this blog and its contents do not represent in any way such safety briefs, be advised to seek help before carving. Stay safe.


Outline, bowl, slot carved

Once the bowl has been roughed out using the spoon knife I go over the area again very lightly to try and remove some of the really rough areas this helps in the finishing process, its best to hone the edge of the tool before doing this final pass over the work. The next stage for me is to cut out the cigar slot I use the Flexcut U gouge for this task slowly chiseling out the slot bit by bit until I have reached the required depth. Once this is complete I start work on the outside of the tray how much work in this are will depend on the design I intend to use if the top end of the tray is to be rounded quite a lot of work has to take place. If the end is square then finishing is minimal. The final stage which probably takes the longest is the finishing. I start off with the palm sander using a 60 grit emery sheet getting all of the deep tool marks out. Once I think they have been removed I move up a grade of emery to an 80 grit. After the 80 has been completed I put the palm sander away. I continue by hand moving up to a 120 grit then 180, 240,400,600 and the final emery is 1200. If at anytime I feel that some marks have not come out then I go back a few grades to remove the marks. The final finish can be one of several different types Polyurethane, Beeswax, Teak oil, Linseed oil. I have found that actually I like the Polyurethane as when the finish is applied all over with several coats it is quite watertight and makes for easy cleaning after use.

2 trays left Polyurethane coated and from the same log, the right is linseed oil coated.

There is very little maintenance with the finished ashtray, however, good cigar etiquette should be used never let the cigar get to close to the wood else it will burn the cigar slot. Always let the cigar go out in the slot by its self do not stub out and all should be well.

Well, I hope you have enjoyed my little wander into my exploits of making cigar ashtrays. Just a few examples of some past projects. There is far more to come though.


Fuente Fuente Love Affair cigar tray

Two nice simple Cherry trays.

The Nub tray.


The cigar band tray now living in Florida.

Thanks for reading. Remember if using sharp tools and instruments please be very careful ensure you know what your doing and receive some safety training.

Sunny wanderings.

2011-04-06T19:35:00.000+01:00

Pants the dog and myself were out today on our travels in the countryside, the weather in the South of England was glorious today. Whilst walking around it was quite evident that the plants and insects understand that spring has sprung. I have to say I had a real treat with some wonderful sights today to name but a few the Bumble bee, Wood ants, a glorious Gold crest bird, Admiral Butterflies,squirrels and Rabbits.

Pants checking out a squirrel.

Bumble Bee very shy.


Wood Ants.

The warm weather has made the Wood Ants start to come to life to start there munching...

Gold crest they can have orange crests as well.

What a lovely bird the Gold crest is I was so privileged to meet this little chap today he came within arms distance, although this picture taken from the RSBB site http://www.rspb.org.uk/ shows a yellow crest the little bird today had a bright orange crest in the raised position great.


Baby Bilberry's.

When nature starts its new life things look so fresh and nice, even simple things like the Sycamore leafs unfurling.

Sycamore.

Willow

Blackthorn in flower.

One of my favourite tree / bush is the Blackthorn it is so beautiful in its simple white colour. The Blackthorn also provides the Sloes for my alcoholic drinks in the latter part of the year, the wood is also nice to carve.


Gauze in flower.

The simple Gauze bush when in flower is something to behold and an almost sickly but moreish scent is given of by the bush.

Well that just about finishes my little summary of my walk today, lets hope we have more days like today, not only for the weather but for the treat that Mother nature laid on.

Wood Spirit Pipe Tamper

2011-01-30T09:16:00.001Z

It is so nice to be finally well enough to update the blog site. I was asked by a friend who smokes a pipe as to whether I could make a pipe tamper with a wood spirit face carved into it. I thought that this would be an ideal way to get my carving started again and allow me to break myself back into posting on my site. I decided to choose two woods for this small project cherry & blackthorn being hardwoods. The cherry wood had seasoned and was an off cut from a spoon project, the blackthorn is completely green wood. The photographs below show the outcome of my efforts, I am rather pleased with the finished pipe tampers. My only concern is the green blackthorn which is very slowly checking, I am slowing the process with multiple coats of walnut oil. Worst come to worst I have some seasoned blackthorn and I will carve another one.

Blackthorn / Cherry wood

Blackthorn spoon hopefully the tamper will go the same colour !

I did state that this would be a simple first post back and so it is. I hope you like the tampers not the last ones I will carve I think !!

I have completed the Gelert Solo Pt 2 review I will post soon on the outcome of my outdoor challenge.

A final thought they say if you see a Wood spirit in the forest he will bring you good luck!! Can you see the spirit in this picture? if not perhaps you were not meant to see him? thanks for reading.

Can you see the spirit man?

A few spoons old and new.

2010-10-14T18:05:00.000+01:00

Just a short blog to post some photographs of just a few spoons that I have carved. A long way to go before I reach a good standard though.

Hazel,Hornbeam,Sycamore woods.

Woods as above these are some of my first attempts.

One of my favourite woods that I use a lot Blackthorn.

Blackthorn

Small Blackthorn spoon

Blackthorn

Two recently carved spoons. Spalted Blackthorn (never found this before) & Hornbeam.


Spalted Blackthorn

I found some lovely spalted Blackthorn that was incredibly hard to carve but the wonderful grain made all the hard work worth it.

Autumn

2010-10-05T16:37:00.002+01:00

I have had an enforced break from the Blog due to technical problems with the broadband. This seems to be at last working but for how long?

This blog will be a bit of a hotpotch of photographs and different walks. However, within a very short space of time we have drifted into Autumn. I am unsure if other people feel the same as me, in that the seasons seem to have moved forward by 3 - 4 weeks?

The Sloes on the Blackthorn bushes seem to have fruited earlier than last year and are far larger. Consequently most of the Sloes are now rotting on the trees, we were picking them this time last year.

Blackthorn fruit (Sloe)

We collected about 6lbs of Sloes a few weeks ago and froze them. On Sunday last we put together our Christmas drinks of 3 litres of Sloe Gin & 2 litres of Sloe Whisky. I gave a recipe out on the blog Berry nice. Empty plastic 5 litre water bottles make wonderful fermentation vessels. This needs to ferment for 12 weeks. We plan to filter the Sloe Liquor's into fancy bottles, place a ribbon on and a nice label, lovely presents for the adult children.

Sloe Gin & Whisky

About a fortnight ago my wife, Pants and myself went for a evening / dusk walk to the cliffs. A wonderful time for a walk, no wind, a setting sun and not a ripple on the English Channel. Well worth a few long range pictures. We sat on a convenient bench and watched the sun disappear how relaxing.

White Cliffs & English Channel

During the times that I have been unable to Blog I have still been snapping away. I blogged about Fungi last time well I found the most enormous Fly Agaric the other day could not resist a picture.

Fly Agaric

I was out and about today and got absolutely soaked. The day had started misty and dank but looked like it might improve, wrong. But i did manage to take some lovely pictures of some more fungi. The elder tree has the most unusual looking fungi the "Jews Ear" why its called that I have no idea! it is almost translucent, rubbery and moist to the touch beautiful my pictures do not do the fungi justice.

Jews Ear

The silver Birch is home to the "Polypore" a Bracket Fungi, again an unusual shape made me want to photograph it. The Polypore is not edible but can be used for a woodland plaster by taking the outer skin off. it can also be used to strop a razor/knife. A truly edible Bracket fungi is the Beef Steak Fungus this was my second lucky find I posted previously about Beef Steak Fungus. This was huge it went the same way as the last sliced and fried lovely. They do not taste like steak though! Whilst out today I did find plenty of young tender edible (only when young) "Common Puffballs".

Birch Polypore

Top of the Beef Steak Fungus

Underside of Beef Steak fungus

During slicing for the frying pan

Common Puff Ball

Not all things are dying away because of the Autumn! the Rose hips are fantastically large this year. The Haw's on the Hawthorn tree are doing well, and you can make a herbal tea with them. I found a Yew tree with red fruit on which I thought unusual for this time of the year.

Rosehips

Haws

Yew

I ventured along the river Stour at lunchtime and for just a brief moment the clouds parted the sun came out. I managed to take a lovely photograph of the river and surroundings. The cloud came back over within a few minutes and the heavens opened.

Stour

Whilst wandering around I came across a beautiful sight of a wooden arch made by the Blackthorn bushes not a good photograph I was a bit damp at this stage but a lovely sight.

Blackthorn Arch

My final find was a patch of horse radish plant I decided to take a little after seeking and gaining permission to make a home made sauce for my beef this evening. I then used a recipe that I found on line to make creamy horseradish sauce

Horse radish

Creamed horse radish

Well that's about me caught up. However, they say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

A walk in the park

2010-09-18T12:27:00.000+01:00

Larch

Yesterday I went for a quiet wander in the park. The sort of day where you realise that Autumn is approaching and Summer is dying away. This time of the year is great. Sun but no real warmth. Cold but not freezing, and no wind, a still day.

The land still has all its lovely full Summer colours but you know the Autumn is approaching the Sweet Chestnuts are falling to the ground, though still to small to eat but in another 6 - 7 weeks we will be hopefully in for a lovely bumper crop of my favourite Autumn food Roasted Sweet Chestnuts. I looked around for the Dragonflies but they seem to have all disappeared. Whilst looking for the flies I came across a wonderful splash of colour in the form of a Pink Waterlily among all the green I just had to take a picture.

The sun was streaming through the woodland canopy and bouncing of the water a real day to enjoy life.

Even in death beauty can be found, a dead tree that is being used by the Woodpeckers. Framed against a blue sky the tree stood out as I walked by.

Woodpecker Tree

I had to visit my favourite tree. Earlier in the summer I had picked Cherry Plums from this tree now of course all the fruit has gone, perhaps next year I may make some jelly jam from the fruit?

Cherry Plum Tree on the left. Small hazel on the right.

This time of year in the UK edible mushroom / Fungus / Fungi are very much in season. I found some lovely Beef Steak Fungus in the week which I sliced into thin strips and fried in a little butter served with salt and pepper, lovely. Today hidden away in an old but growing Oak tree was a small Beef Steak Fungus they only grow on old living Oak or Sweet Chestnut trees. Be careful what you pick in the woods to eat if unsure please do not eat it some fungus's can kill.

Small Beef Steak Fungus on an old living Oak tree.

Not all Fungi are edible but some I believe are just pretty in there own right. Take this picture of the Common Ganoderma Fungi on an a very old Beech tree. Beautiful for what it is I think?

Inedible Bracket Fungi Commom Ganoderma

Lots of Fungi, Fungus, Mushrooms etc around at the moment it seems like a bumper year? These Shaggy Ink Caps photographed at the side of the road are edible but must be eaten young.

Shaggy Ink Caps

As always I had Pants along with me, my companion generally on my walks and visits.

A thoroughly enjoyable walk in the Park.

Please before eating wild foods even if you think you know what it is check or ask someone who knows. Stay safe.

Fossil Coast

2010-09-14T09:33:00.000+01:00

Gault Clay Cliffs

Today we decided to go to the fossil coast at Copt Bay, Folkestone. The weather was warm with the sun breaking through the clouds occasionally. We made a flask of coffee, packed a small daysack and loaded Pants into the car. The trip is about 5 minutes from home we could in fact walk there but to ensure we got the tide at the right time we drove. A short walk to the edge of the cliffs and a sharp descent down to the fossils embedded into the face of the cliffs. I am no expert when it comes to fossils so much of the information has been taken from the on site information board that is located at the top of the cliffs.

Ammonite impression

We discovered the beach and fossil coast by accident. Despite being so close we had never stumbled on the fossil area, not being local or living long in the area. I have to say that it is now one of our favourite locations. The fossils date from the Albian stage of the Early Cretaceous epoch, approximately 110 million years ago. The fossils in general are found in the Gault clay.

Ammonite

The best time to go is after a storm when the cliff face has been eroded, that was the first time we visited and we found plenty of nice impressions and fossils. We ventured up to the Gault clay cliffs and I soon discovered a few nice impressions in the clay. The area around the cliffs in general is littered with concrete Anti tank / vehicle blocks left from World War II to prevent landings these are now being overgrown with seaweed.

Pants inspecting the Old WW II sea defences

The last time we came to the beach we found a fragment of old mug / cup dated 1852. To me these simple little things are quite fascinating. We proceeded along the cliff looking for fossils and impressions I found a few more examples in the clay.


Hoptitidae sp

Neohibolites Minimus

However, we found very little on the beach area probaly due to the lack of heavy weather damage to the cliffs.

Hamites Maximus

I have taken some pictures of previous finds of visits to Copt point.

Hoptitidae sp

Anahoplites sp and Neohibolites Minimus

The tide was at its lowest point when we arrived, the ebb is only about 35 minutes before the tide comes in it is quite easy to get carried away with the exploration and get cut of on the point. The small sandy beach area a little away from the cliffs is popular with people looking for prawns / shrimp we observed a man shrimping and actually met up with him when we were leaving he had a few pounds of fresh caught shrimps with him. We decided to wander back to the beach area and have a look around after a lady had commented that you could find some nice examples of fossils with mother of pearl inlay still on at low tide in that area.

We duly had a look but to no avail, another location to check out the next time we visit. Time to stop for a cup of coffee.

Pants had been swimming he really enjoys the water trying to get rocks out of the sea strange dog. Once we had drank our coffee we decided to head off back to the car. Its truly amazing how quickly time goes when you are enjoying yourself we had been on the coast for over 2 hours and the tide was well on the way in. I am going to invest in a small shrimp net and give it a go. We love shellfish, I am sure that it will be fun and a bit of a laugh. I might do a short blog on our first shrimping expedition it depends on how succesful we are.

Simple Hobo Stove

2010-09-06T15:47:00.050+01:00

In the pursuit of outdoor living there are a few key requirements to make yourself comfortable shelter, warmth water and food. In the UK it is not always acceptable, sensible or legal to start an open fire on someone else's land unless permission is sought and given. Enjoying the delights of an open fire I decided to look into how you could have the benefits of a living fire to cook over without the risks associated with it. After a few trawls over the Internet I came upon several versions of the Hobo Stove including versions of the originals from the USA. I eventually settled upon this design. The basic requirements are: Stainless steel drainer unit available from most stores (with holes in the side).

Stainless steel tea,coffee, or sugar container this should be able to fit inside the drainer, wire cable(mine came from an old lawn mower throttle), a couple of electrical connectors (plastic type they have stainless steel parts inside) a couple of large sea fishing swivels.

A couple of stainless steel BBQ skewers (taken from the BBQ equipment).

A pop rivet gun with a couple of rivets, angle grinder or hacksaw,drill and craft knife. Well that's about all the stores you will require to manufacture the Hobo stove. The first thing that you must do is ensure that the boiling vessel that you are going to use (tea,coffee,sugar container in my case) fits inside the drainer (cooker) that you have bought.

Take the drainer with you to the supermarket or at least take the measurements. The next stage of the process is to decide where and how large you are going to cut an opening, allowing you to put your fuel source into the stove. Once you have decided where its going it's time to cut the opening out. I used a angle grinder for the job it only took a few minutes.

Once cut the edges will be razor sharp beware file them back so that the edges are blunt. You have got to be able just about to put your hands in and out of the opening.

Please if you are using tools that you have never used before or not competent with seek advice. Always think SAFETY FIRST.

Really that's the cooker done!! The next stage involves a bit more work, well it did for me. The container that you are going to use for the cooking vessel. I chose a stainless steel tea caddy from a well known UK store it cost a couple of pounds. The first thing I did was to locate the centre of the top of the lid of the caddy and drilled a hole to except a screw. I then made a small knob as a handle from seasoned Beech for the lid of the caddy. The next stage was to drill two holes into the side of the lid of the caddy to act as steam vents. So that when the cooking vessel / kettle was boiling the pressure escaped.

When drilling the two holes ensure that they are located above the actually main body of the cooking vessel / kettle otherwise when you fit the lid back you will still have no holes!!!!!!! With the knob fitted, steam pressure holes drilled re-fit the lid to the caddy.

Ensure you drill two pressure holes

What you must know do, is decide where you are going to drill you holes on either side of the main caddy to allow you to fit the large metal swivels. Be careful not to drill to high or low on the caddy body, you want the caddy to be able to pour and swivel its your best guess....I thought about it this way the caddy cost just a couple of pounds..kept the pressure of me. Once the holes are drilled it's time to fit the swivels attached with pop rivets this was the hardest part for me not using a rivet gun for many years. The next step was to get hold of the plastic connectors and remove the plastic from them. We only want the stainless steel connectors. I used a craft knife for the task be careful its easy to cut the old pinky's. Once we have our two sets of connectors its time to decide how long the carrying handle will be (I used throttle cable its stainless steel) again its personal choice I made mine perhaps a bit long. To attach the cable to the cooking vessel / kettle place the wire through one side of the connector then through swivel eye and back through the connector tightening up as you go.The final stage that I completed was the shortening of the BBQ skewers that will support the weight of the kettle. I kept them long to start with but it was not practical so they where shortened to fit into the stove for an easy pack away.

The very last thing to do is test our new stove out. I have to say that for the stove to burn the natural fuel that you use it needs ventilation from the bottom. Raise the stove in some way ensuring that its is stable. I have found that the best and most portable item is the old fashioned British Military hexamine cooker. The types of fuel that you can use come down to two types Natural and Manmade. Natural speaks for itself, however I find that Pine cones burn best its the resin. Man made you could buy or even make a Trangia cooker insert or hexamine or such like substances. I have to be truthful a good project to make and something that is very practical, however I have used mine only a few times. The cooking pot has been hung on a hanger over an open fire it worked well. A few pictures below of the Hobo in action on the beach near my home.

A day at the beach

Moules el Fresco

"Its a partnership" Moules are collected while the cooker is started

Pine cones for fuel. A cup of Coffee coming straight up

My last word on the Hobo stove is please be responsible and fire aware when in the Countryside.

The Dragonfly Walk

2010-09-02T08:45:00.002+01:00

Common Darter Dragonfly

I look forward to expanding my knowledge about the Countryside, Nature and all things Outdoors. The 25th of August was just such a day. I had the most fortunate opportunity to be given a very informative short lecture about Dragonfly's / Damselflies by a gentleman who's enthusiasm for his subject was infectious and you could not help but be swept up by it. After the lecture we departed for a field trip to the local lakes and ponds to search for the flies. We were so fortunate with the weather thank goodness the sun came out to play. On previous day's we had very heavy rain and in fact the remainder of the week was set for rain. A glimmer of sunshine on the day we had chosen to conduct our Field Trip. You cannot help wonder at the beauty of the Woodland in the Summer months.

Brown Birch Bolete

I found a couple of Bolete's one of which was about 6 - 7 inch across the top. Both are edible.

Cep

We parked, got booted up, collected our day sacks and proceeded. We had not gone more than 300m from where we had left the vehicles before we came across our first Damselfly's, The Azure Blue. We spent over 2 hours moving from wetland ground to ponds in search of the flies.

I have to say that being a complete novice it was quite a lot to take in. The recognition of the different kinds of Dragonflies/Damselflies is overwhelming. We came across over 10 - 12 different species on our little field trip.

White Legged Damsellflie

I have never really taken the time to stop and appreciate the beauty of the flies. I plan to rectify that by purchasing a small book on how to recognise Dragonfly. The walk gave me a chance to capture some images of the local woods and streams. It is amazing, the lakes where almost dry after a prolonged period of no rain. One real heavy down pour and that all changes. We finished our little field trip I had my Cheese and Onion sandwiches, we chatted and all departed much the wiser for our field trip in search of Dragonflies. I found the day so very interesting. All photos of Dragonflies in this short Blog are courtesy of my friend Bob the Beard, he has a wonderful portfolio of wildlife pictures thanks mate.

Brown Hawker

On a different subject whilst out and about the other day I found a very unusual plant/flower which I think is from the Artichoke family. I would be interested if anyone could recognise the plant pictured below and post a comment, thanks.

Who am I ?

Late Summer walk on the White Cliffs of Dover.

2010-09-01T18:20:00.000+01:00

On Bank Holiday Monday I thought that I would go for a walk with my dog (Pants).

Pants

The day had started off with brilliant sunshine. It had been such a shocking few days before that I needed to get out. So at 07:30 off we went heading for the White Cliffs of Dover near Folkestone. It did not take long before the Nokia E72 phone camera came into play the image quality is so good have taken to leaving the Fuji at home. The views of the coast of France were spectacular you could even see the buildings in what I assume is Calais.

France

Once at the top of the cliffs there is a very steep zig zaggy narrow path down to a small campsite. We proceeded to continue down again I had to take a few images of the sun pouring through the foliage canopy.

The route down.

Nature is so beautiful at times. I started to notice that there was an abundance of ferns again the camera came out.

Hart's Tongue Fern

Halfway down we stopped to admire the view and I decided to wait for a train to appear.....I had along wait and in the end gave up and moved along. Their is no morale or tale to this little story just the ramblings of a man enjoying a wonderful late summer walk with his dog, so please bear with me.


In the distance Samphire Hoe. The spoil from the Channel Tunnel.

During the Napoleonic wars Britain erected a series of Martello Towers on the South coast to warn of invasion most have been left to the weather or in some cases turned into homes. Peeking out between the trees was a wonderful view of a Martello tower that has been restored back dropped by the English Channel.

White Martello Tower

Once we reached the bottom we turned around and started our ascent of the narrow track. I have to say that the upward trip was not as enjoyable as the descent.

Looking back up, the way home.

I got to the top completely out of breath, with a sweat on. Pants however, just looked at me wanting more..... I decided that we should head back to home within minutes a sea fog came in you could not see your hand in front of your face. A walk that was enjoyable for the early morning sunshine and views for me, Pants just enjoys the walk.

The Lady Spoon

2010-08-28T14:51:00.001+01:00

The template after battening the waste away.

I have manged to get some Cherry wood from a very old tree that had to be cut to keep it safe. I have been using the wood for some time. Originally I carved a wooden serving spoon for my home. My son who when visiting asked where I had bought the spoon, I remarked that I had made the spoon. He then asked me if I would make him one, I said that I would. Some weeks later I got a round to actually carving the serving spoon, he collected it next time he arrived home. My daughter came to stop some months later and made the same comment about the serving spoon...so guess what I have made another spoon from Cherry wood. This time I thought that I would document the making of the Spoon and post on the Blog. I general terms I nearly always carve into green wood. Though this latest carving the wood had seasoned, flaky in places.

The outer shape carved and the start of the bowl using Mora Frost & Spoon Caving Knifes.

The spoons are hand carved using a Mora Frost Knife and Mora Spoon Carving Knife. I was taught to carve by a very good friend of mine Gary Wale. We served together back in the day. "He says that he created a monster when he first learnt me to carve"

Once the bowl inner is carved start forming the outer shape of the spoon.

My first effort was a small wooden spoon. I have course gone onto learn to carve wood spirit faces etc as posted in earlier blogs. Any way here in picture form is the making of a Serving Spoon out of Cherry Wood. The only thing that I had never tried before was carving a small simple design. I quite like the affect that this gives to the spoon.


The complete roughing out stage completed.

I used to sand my work by hand but it just got to time consuming not too mention hard on the hands. So I know rough out using a electric sander and finish off by hand. It reduces the time in half but does not compromise on finish.

Sanded down and simple design carved using a Flextool.


The rear side of the nearly completed spoon.

Finished spoon rear view.

Once the sanding has been completed I always finish spoons that are going to be used for cooking/eating with Walnut Oil. A lot of people use Olive Oil this can go rancid over time. To keep the wooden spoons in good order you can wash them as you do anything else that you have used for cooking. However, you must if you want the spoon to keep well and long re-oil with Walnut oil then put it away.

I hope that you have found my little tale about how "The Lady Spoon" was created interesting, she is know off to a new home.

Micro Carving Wood Tools

2010-08-14T08:36:00.000+01:00

In the post "Strange Beginning's" I outlined how I started to learn to carve Wood Spirit faces. In this short Blog I would like to talk about some of the tools that I use, sharpening methods, books, sites and people that have helped me. I am still learning but have just about mastered the spirit face which was my goal. But we all strive to be better so the learning continues. I do not intend to go into too much depth about the tools. As other more experienced carvers will do that on other sites that are on my blog. When you wander around the Blog sites that I visit you will see a man called Dave Brock. It was his inspiration and simple approach to learning to carve spirit faces that set the ball rolling for me. If you want to learn how to carve a simple wood spirit face please follow the link.

How to Carve a Simple Wood Spirit Face Pt1

There are three parts to "Carving a Simple Spirit Face".

Here are some of the books that I have bought or been given that have assisted me so far:

Tom Wolfe

Lora S Irish


Lora S Irish

Any way lets look at some of the tools that I use when carving into the shafts of potential walking sticks. The most important tool is the humble Swiss Army knife. I only use the small blade which I have been informed from a reliable source is made from Surgical steel? All I know is that I can get a razor edge on the blade, it always resharpens very easily too.

I have tended to stick to one make of tool that being "Flexcut" I find the tools good value for money, well made and ultra sharp. They also always re-sharpen very well. I have only purchased my tools from one supplier Classic Hand Tools. See link below:

Classic Hand Tools

I can say from my experience that they give first class service to there customers. Delivery has always been very quick next day in fact. I would recommend them to anyone looking to buy Micro hand tools for the first time.

I can put the tools into three groups:

V Tools

Gouges

Blades

Well there you have the tools that I currently use to carve my faces. One of the most important things about carving that I have learnt is to keep the tools sharp. The problem is that you get so engrossed in your carving that you forget to keep sharpening. Its only when you are struggling or applying more power to the cut strokes that you begin to realise that the edge is getting dull. STOP. Re-sharpen the tool. This is the point when you will cut your self..........applying to much pressure trying to get into awkward positions to apply the cut. I never bothered wearing a glove on the non carving hand when I first started carving!!! but let me tell you that when one of those razor sharp gouges slips it ain't comfortable!!!!!! I always wear a glove now. I always keep plasters in my carving box. When ever you use a knife or sharp tool always have some first aid cover close by.

When I have finished a carving I generally sharpen the tools that I have used. I find that I always want to get straight on with carving next time, to have to stop to re-sharpen slows me up and potentially I don't give the tools the time they deserve. If I cannot or do not feel like sharpening after the work, I will not carve until I have sharpened the tools. I set a period a side especially for sharpening. You will always then dedicate yourself to the honing of the tool ensuring that the edge you have is at its best. Actually I find it quite therapeutic honing the tools!!! The V tools & Gouges have special faces and shapes to them, you would not be able to sharpen on a simple stone or leather. Flexcut make a very simple but effective block that has all the profiles on that you will require to sharpen there tools.

I use this tool all the time although the photo may not show it. It is simple just load the face that you want to use with the grinding paste and away you go. I also sharpen my Bushcraft knifes a lot and wanted some thing to strop the knifes on so I made a simple little leather strop board.

This is made from half a cheap bread board about 11/2 cm thick. I then popped into my local charity shop to find an old leather belt. Cut the belt to fit the size of the board, then epoxy glued the belt to the board. You can see the board that I made with the grinding paste on.

I then turned it over and did the same again, this side never gets paste. It is used as just a leather strop. Cost minimal works like a dream.
I never use a wet or oil stone to sharpen the tools. Never let your tools dull so much that you have to resort to basic sharpening. Most of the time spent carving is matched by time sharpening so its important that you learn.

I hope that you have found this short article interesting.

Carving is fun but can be potentially very dangerous. Please if you have never used a knife or sharp tool before seek advice from someone who has and learn the do's and dont's before starting. I sought advice please do the same. It only takes one cut in the wrong place to spell disaster.

Berry Nice.

2010-08-12T19:15:00.010+01:00

Well, on my travels wandering around the woods today I could not believe the amount of Blackberry's and other fruits that are ripening. It seems to me that it has been a bumper year for the old Blackberry. Though not all the fruit is completely ripe as yet, but I am thinking that the old fashioned pie will be on the table. Of course you can make alcoholic drinks with the berry. A recipe:

BLACKBERRY WHISKY

4lbs of Blackberries (Brambles), 12 oz of cane sugar and a bottle of Whisky (I use the cheapest I can find that's 40% or more) make in same way as Sloe gin, wait until the Whisky has gone dark red and bottle until Christmas! strain the whole lot before you bottle!

I have found a nice little Raspberry bush on my travels! I believe it to be wild as it is in the most out the way spot. That said it may have been planted / dumped years ago? either way the fruit is lovely. When I first found the bush earlier in the year it had just a few raspberry's that had ripened. I duly took them and ate them all up. I forgot all about them until today I thought I would pay the secret berry bush a visit. On arriving I had missed all the fruit.....bar one single remaining berry which I duly photographed.

The Elderberry has not quite ripened in all cases and is still a bit green yet. Though ones that I did spot which had ripened, the birds had had a small feast on them. I spotted a lovely little Wren today, not quick enough with the camera though, I digress. You can use both flower and Berry from the Elder to make drinks with, I am beginning to sound like a man with a problem.... However, here are a couple of recipes for you to have ago at if you wish.

ELDER FLOWER CORDIAL (non alcoholic)

25 Flower heads, 2 oz Citric acid, 3lb sugar. 2 1/2 pints cold BOILED water. 2 dessert spoons lemon juice. A wine demijohn is fine or 3 litre plastic cider bottle. Put water in container, add sugar, acid and lemon juice shake to dissolve. Take a pair of scissors and cut out and discard the main stems of Elder flowers leaving the small stems and flowers, add them to bottle. Shake a couple times a day for two days. Strain off the flowers using a plastic sieve. Can be drunk right away. Store cordial in fridge (Will safely keep for 2/3 months).

ELDERBERRY WINE RECIPE

2½ lb elderberries
Campden tablets
2¾ or 3 lb sugar
Wine yeast
Nutrient
Water

Strip the elderberries from the stalks and wash well.
Put into a fermenting bin and crush. Pour on 4 pints of water. Add 1 campden tablet, crushed and dissolved in a little warm water.
Boil half of the sugar in 2 pints of water for 2 or 3 minutes and, when cool, mix into the pulp.
Add the yeast and nutrient and cover and allow to ferment for 5 days, stirring daily.
Strain and press and return to a clean fermenting bin.
Boil the rest of the sugar in 1 pint of water for 2 or 3 minutes and, when cool, add to the rest.
Cover again and leave for 3 or 4 days.
Pour carefully into a gallon jar, leaving as much deposit behind as possible.
Fill up the jar with cooled, boiled water to where the neck begins.
Fit a fementation lock and leave until fermentation has finished.
Rack, as necessary, and add 1 Campden tablet after the first racking.
Syphon into bottles.

Makes 1 gallon of wine.

Although a berry it might not strike you as one that you would normally eat. You have to process the meat before you can eat the Hawthorn Berry (Haw). They are still quite green and will not be ripe for some time when they are bright red. Yes you are getting the hang of things its another recipe for alcohol.... We have berry's here the Haws are the green ones. If you look in the bottom right of the picture there are a couple of haws ripening.

One of my favourite winter tipples is Sloe alcohol most people like sloe Gin, me included. However, my favourite Sloe recipe is Sloe Whisky. There seems to again be a bumper crop of Sloe's this year and although still quite a way from ripening or picking. I found some that are ripening not well enough to taste. Even at the height of the picking season late Sept through to Dec they can dry the most wettest mouth up, bitter. That said they make great drinks and the Sloes can be recycled for other types of drinks. We made last year Sloe Gin, Whisky, Sherry and Cider not too keen on the cider though.

SLOE GIN / WHISKY WEIGHTS

Here is a repeat of the very simple sloe gin recipe - but with approx weights added.

For one empty 1 litre bottle:
1) add approx 400g sloes (to occupy about half the bottle). Remember to cut or prick the sloes before bottling.
2) add approx 150g ordinary white sugar (this is about a wine goblet in volume).
3) top-up with gin (about 500ml).

If you leave a small space for air in the neck of the bottle you'll find mixing the contents, to dissolve the sugar, easier! Just turn the bottle occasionally for the first few days, whenever you're passing. Then leave in a cool cupboard for a few months (still with the occasional mixing of the contents).

Quantities and times etc are NOT critical!

I also found a lovely Rowan (Mountain Ash) today full loaded with Berry's. I went to take a photo and the camera was full, unlucky. I also have a wine recipe for Rowan if you would like it? just drop me a line I will forward it too you. Talking about fruit as we are I was fortunate to also discover a a couple of Wild Damson trees today the fruit however seemed not quite ripe yet. However, I will return to sample the fruit of the tree.

As with all things before touching or eating ensure you clearly recognise what it is!!! never take chances. The recipes that are shown above are for you guidance. I take no responsibility for your actions....after you have made and drank it.

Well I hope that you have found this article of interest. The next Blog will hopefully be about Wood Carving tools.

Gelert Solo Tent Pt 1- Garden Review.

2010-08-06T20:46:00.003+01:00

The tent arrived yesterday with the weather set fair for today it seemed an appropriate time to do the Garden Review.

To give you some idea of how small the solo is packaged I thought I would choose something that most people could relate too...Cheers. It really is a small lightweight tent. You would have no issue backing this in any daysack / rucksack/ floatation bag etc.

The Solo once unpacked comes with inner sewn in ground sheet with mosquito net sides tied with two rather flimsy pieces of material. Flysheet with two air vents one at either end. Two sets of black fibreglass shock corded poles one large and one small housed in a small bag. Pegs and bag. Also an emergency repair kit with flysheet material and glue in its own little bag.

The carrying bag also contains some basic instruction about how to erect the tent and safety matters this is all sewn in to the bag so you will not lose the information nice touch.

The tent pitches inner first all the sewing was in good order with good depth to the bucket type sewn in groundsheet. Good full length zips both vertically and horizontally to allow side access to the inner sanctum the zips all had day glow yellow para cord attached to them. At each end in the middle and top of the inner are two sleeves too accommodate the shock corded fibreglass poles which slide through. At either side and bottom of the inner are pegging out points and brass eyelets to accept the fibreglass poles.

The head end of the Solo with fiberglass pole.

Foot end

Once the inner is pegged out then the poles can be pushed through and the alloy ends located into the brass eyes. The inner is then erected. I had no problems erecting the inner all was simple and straight forward. It was clear to see that in the Summer months or warm climates it would be a good mosi tent, just the inner.

Once the inner is completly erected then you can put over the flysheet. Several elasticated are pegging downs points are located on the flysheet. At either end of the flysheet there are ventilation flaps. These are also the guide line pegging out points 4 in total. The guides are made of dayglow paracord and the adjusters are reflective at night. All are well made and sturdy. However once the flysheet has been placed over and pegged out here comes a bit of a niggly bit on the inside of the flysheet are two sewn on tags. two at the head end & two at the foot.

Sewn tyes that need tying to the poles!!

You are then to tye the tags around the fibreglass poles. It is awkward and actually even when tied tight they move which allows the flysheet to move around slightly. Definitely an issue in high winds. Maybe the next time it will become easier? It is an area that I will pay attention too on the field test.

I did like the side opening of the tent. However, due too the tight inner size of the tent even not out in the field it is clear that a right hand side / front opening zip sleeping bag would be preferable (Oops mines a left).

Once the whole tent was erected and pegged out the detailed matter of assessing the space inside the inner tent was explored. I am 5'9 and got into the tent just about right. Anyone much over that sort of height will be suffering for room. It did seem a tiny bit claustrophobic but i will get used to it. There is a tiny bit of room for perhaps a daysack in the tiny porch. The side entrance can be rolled up and secured by 2 toggle and loops at the top of the tent. A set of clothes as a pillow will just about complete the space in the tent.

One thing that stood out was the large gap between the bottom of the flysheet and the ground. The flysheet was well pulled down by the elasticated cord but the gap pretty much remained the same. This may well be an issue in high winds something else to watch out for during the field test.

Given some advice that we should carry out a garden hose assessment we did so. We gave the flysheet a thourgh soaking. The water beaded and cleared the tent well. There was no water ingress to the inner and no leaks from the seals. Ii should bead well it is new and states it has been tested on the tent sheet.

The packing away of tent was the complete reverse and took very little time to collapse. The only thing that I would say is that it took longer to try and get the tent and its component parts into the small tent bag (quite difficult but you will get quicker over time).

In conclusion.
I was pleasantly surprised with the lightness and ease of erection of the tent (15mins approx) but the tying of those fiddly tyes was the downside. The Gelert Solo is not advertised as a high altitude expedition tent, but a weekender. There a couple of areas that I will be interested to see perform in the field as outlined above. First impressions are good. A good product at a very sensible price £22.93p. A good alternative to the basha. The field reviews will follow in time watch this space.

Update 12 December 2011.
I tested the tent some time ago but never got around to writing a report. I have to say that the tent performed really well on a miserable wet and windy weekend. The points that I outlined in the Garden review in most cases were not issues.

The tying of the tent to the poles was not an issue and the flysheet stayed were it was supposed too. I think that was just me fingers and thumbs for a first time put up.

The issue of the large gap underneath the bottom of the flysheet and ground did for me cause an issue the wind really got under that gap and gave a really cold draft when sleeping.

There was absolutely no room inside the tent for anything other than yourself, sleeping bag and a small pillow of clothes but I sort of knew that. I am 5,9 tall and was just a snug fit. You will have to leave everything else out. I think the tent would suit perhaps more a canoe type outings where you can store the remainder of your kit away.

In final summing up:
Great tent for the price, very small for the sack, not all season maybe 3 at a push, low level. If you understand its limitations its great value for money. The overriding question would I buy one again yes. Thanks for reading.

Gelert Solo Tent

2010-08-05T22:01:00.013+01:00

I have just decided that I am getting a little to old for the Tarp / Basha in the Autumn. So I have purchased a cheap lightweight one man tent the Gelert Solo. I made the choice of tent on a few simple requirements.

1. The amount of use the tent would get.
I like to go into the woods throughout the year with a potential for anything up to 10 visits in the wet periods.

2. Value for money.
Ten visits a year is not that excessive and in the right weather I would still like to Tarp or Basha up. So it needed to be cheap but sturdy. Based on many reviews that I have read about the Gelert Solo it seemed to fit the bill completely. We will see.

3. Size & and weight.
I was amazed at the tiny size of the tent when it arrived today no bigger than a mans forearm with about 1.5 kg total weight.

I have decided to complete a small review of the Gelert Tent in two stages. Firstly a simple breakout and set up of the tent at home. Followed by an in the field review probably of two or more field trips dependant on weather. The first review with pictures will follow shortly.

On an aside the name of the company Gelert is an interesting one please see below for some information.

Gelert by Charles Burton Barber (1845–1894)

For more information about the meaning of the name Gelert please follow the Wiki link. It is worth a read.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gelert

Watch this space for the review.

A Strange Beginning.

2010-08-04T16:36:00.025+01:00

Many years ago I started to collect wood shafts for walking sticks and indeed went onto make a few sticks. Due to change of work and location I stopped collecting and making sticks. Last year after wandering in the woods, I thought that it would be nice to make a few walking sticks for friends so I again started to gather and collect shafts. It takes anywhere from 6 months to 2 years for wood shafts to season, a year for each inch diameter of the wood. Whilst surfing the Internet I came across various pictures of Wood Spirit Carvings on walking sticks mainly in the USA. I decided that it might be worth trying to learn to carve a wood spirit face for some of the potential shafts seasoning away. The thought of actually learning to carve what appears to be such a complex task was quite daunting. The only experience I had was that of Viking carving green wood for spoons taught to me by a friend. I started with dropping onto a couple of websites,watched videos and read various books. I then decided which tools I would require splashed out on some micro carving hand tools, and my faithful Swiss army knife blade. Anyway the practicing continues. I found it easiest to carve into fairly thick 2.5 inch diameter 6 inch long wood pieces to start with. I am now 8 /9 months into the learning and although I still have a lot to learn the carvings are getting better by the stick. Despite my doubts about my carvings I thought that I would have a crack at a small carving of a wood spirit in a 1.2 inch diameter shafts. It went well since that time I have carved several sticks.

Given two away to a friend who liked the first one so much he wanted another.

Another friend had a stick and asked me to carve a spirit into the stick he was delighted.
I am about to give another carved walking stick to another friend. I
like carving into semi green wood it carves really well. The down side is that there is potential for the stick to split or crack, however none to date have done so as I use a sealer. The walking sticks have know become secondary to the carving to such an extent that I may well be going to try and sell a few sticks that I have carved. To ensure that the sticks are seasoned I shall buy in some shafts this year while my own hoard cure over the winter. I will keep you all posted on the progress of my carving.

Its strange it seems a natural progression to move onto carving but I
do not understand why.

These are a few of my latest carvings into walking sticks. I have some way to go yet but keep learning every time I carve. The eyes on the sticks are simple eyes with out to much detail. The diameter of the shafts dictate the type of eyes I carve. I have learnt to carve eyes correctly, but I like the demonic look of the simple eye on the wood spirit.....What do you think?

I am tempted to change the title of the BLOG......but unsure of what. It needs to be something more in keeping with Woodland Walks, Bushcraft, Outdoor Life, Walking sticks and Carving? they all blend into one. Or maybe it will stay as The Woodland Way..

Is it Winter or Spring.

2010-03-13T14:20:00.019Z

Well I think Spring has finally arrived but then I could be wrong the weather has been so unpredictable this year. I have taken a few shots of the Woodland in its Winter coat. I have to say though despite the really bad snow we have had this year it has resulted in some wonderful scenery, which hopefully will reflect in some of the photographs I am posting.

The lake looked beautiful half frozen, these photographs were taken about midday but the temperature had not got much above freezing and with a biting wind made the day feel extremely cold.
I took these shots and then decided it was time for a short stop, a nice hot cup of tea was in order, though it did not stay hot for long.

The winter time in the woods is a peaceful place too be all the foliage has died back and allows you to see right through the forest how different it will be in the Summer months. The woods reveal all there hidden secrets like the Badger sets, Rabbit warrens, deer that you can spy from distance so that you can watch without spooking them. All the seasons have their own kind of magic.
These photographs were taken in February, just one month later the Woods had changed completely. The blanket of snow that we had in February had been holding back Spring but a little sunshine and everything started to come back to life.

The land looks well but with the heavy snowfalls the worst for 30 years and torrential rain that we have received the ground is absolutely soaking, which makes movement very difficult.

The Hazel has its Catkins flowering what a lovely site. The buds are beginning to show on all the trees and it will not belong before we are really into Spring. I also spotted a wonderful sight on an old Alder tree it was covered with Jews Ear fungus which I could not resist taking a photograph of.

What a fascinating thing Fungus is, I have seen some monstrous Artist Bracket Fungus on Beech trees I will make a point of taking some photographs of the Artist Bracket next time around, You can of course use this fungus to make a flint & steel fire tinder with which works well.

Finally below I saw this wonderful old tree that I thought worthy of a picture it looks dead however, I am assured that in the summer it comes to life, we will see I will post pictures of its rebirth!!! maybe.

Well that's about all for this time around hope you have enjoyed the photographs. I have been busy whittling spoons (Blackthorn below) and learning to carve wood spirit faces which is really great fun, as soon as I have carved a face that is worthy of a picture I will post some. I have also in the winter period made a Hobo stove at very little cost just over £5.00, which I have to say works wonderfully well. If anyone wants more information drop me a line thanks.

A Monday Autumn Walk.

2009-11-11T14:06:00.023Z

A cold, misty and dank day on my outing on Monday 09th November, but that does not belittle what was a quiet walk in the woods. The Beech trees have just about shed all of there lovely coloured leaves forming an eye catching chestnut carpet, what a wonderful picture. Trees like the Sycamore are still trying to hold onto there summer colours. The evergreens are putting on the style this time of year and even cones that have dropped can still be thing of beauty when the sun glistens on them.

I happened by a small burbling stream that I followed for sometime before hearing the lovely sound of cascading water, a small overhang of rock gave way to a small waterfall, I could not resist a picture. The sun come out for a short while and the affect on all things is quite remarkable we all like to feel the warmth of the sun on our backs myself included. The squirrels decided that it was time to come down from the trees to scurry and forage on the ground looking for the last of the Sweet Chestnuts and Acorns trying to fatten themselves up for the coming lean winter months.

The little squirrels can no longer hide amongst the large lush green fern canopy which has all but died back changing to a bedraggled brown colour, but in its own way quite pretty when offset with the the green of the grass, lichen and evergreen trees. I managed to walk too a piece of high ground where the view over the woodland canopy was stunning with there greens, browns, yellows, blues and whites the sun struggling to come out and burn the mist off from the tops of the trees.

The best of the day came at midday when the sun was at its highest and the autumn chill was taken out of the day, that said there was a cold bitter biting wind, the key was get out of the wind into the sun lovely. I was not the only one to try and achieve this I came across some pony's moving away from the grazing on the moorland to eating up the gauze bush's prickly old job
but which allowed them to be out of the wind and in the warmth of the sun, drinking from puddles in the tracks.

There was a distinct lack of birds on Monday why that was I am unsure, however I did come across a few Great Tits that seem to follow me, they just wanted me away from that particular part of the wood I assume? they moved so quickly I was unable to take a photograph of them maybe next time.

I stopped for dinner with my friend and decided to head back in the early afternoon sunshine wandering down a small track I suddenly came upon a large Fallow Buck grazing away from his herd, he had not seen me at first which allowed me to get my camera out and hastily take a photo, the Buck soon realised that I was there and was gone before I could take a second photograph, but a lovely treat to round the day off.

A pleasant Autumn walk all be it chilly at times but enjoyable.

Article on the Hazel Dormouse - The Telegraph.

2009-10-29T20:50:00.004Z

A very good article in the Telegraph regarding the Hazel Dormouse and the census. Click the link to follow.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/6399461/The-Great-Golden-Nut-Hunt-needs-your-help-with-new-dormice-census---nutters-welcome.html

A Lunchtime Quickie 1230 - 1330.

2009-10-29T18:11:00.012Z

The weather has been so nice of late that I decided to take my lunch which consisted of sandwiches and a bottle of water into the woods for an hour. Having devoured my small meal I thought I would take the opportunity to take some of my first photographs for the Blog. The first thing that struck me was the Holly, that has lovely bright red berry's on already, like most people it brings back memories of Christmas's gone by, that said we will soon be into the festive season.

The Sweet Chestnut trees have finished giving forth there wonderful fruit in fact as I began my short walk, I interrupted the deer sweeping up the Sweet Chestnut feast.

Autumn is a wonderful time of year the beautiful colours of the foliage whether it be on the trees or on the ground produces a breath taking picture.

I came across some fungi growing on an old tree stump which I thought produced a wonderful picture. I am not an expert on all things in the woods and do not profess to knowing all there correct titles, so there for I would appreciate any advice on names of woodland species I photograph and post online that I cannot recognise. I have invested in some small Fungi, Birds and Tree recognition books which I hope will be of some use, but if I get it wrong feel free to put me right.

An hour for lunch is not long and I soon found that my time was at an end. I took a couple more photographs and trotted of back to the office.
This is my first post on The Woodland Way I have said that this is a personnel journal but over the coming year I hope someone finds some of the pictures pleasing.

The Great Nut Hunt.

2009-10-27T21:50:00.000Z

Just to keep things ticking along whilst the site is coming together please follow the link to the Great Nut Hunt a survey of the Hazel dormouse from Oct 2009 until March 2010 easy to apply and well worth helping Natural England and the Hazel Dormice out.

http://ptes.org/?news=66

New Site.

2009-10-27T20:59:00.001Z

The Woodland Way blog is under construction. It is planned to be a personal account of the countryside, & actvities through the calendar year. I hope that visitors will find some of my accounts and photos of interest.